Palestine: China pledges $15 million financial aid

Chinese President Xi Ping Tuesday announced Beijing will allocate a $15 million financial package to Palestinians as the second global economy is expanding its diplomatic and economic influence in the Middle East region, Reuters reports.

The Chinese leader made the announcement during the summit between his country and Arab countries.

The announced aid is coming at the right time for Palestinians who are in need of funds after the United States threated to cut aid to Palestinians unless they resume peace talks with Israel.

Palestinians have refused to endorse President Donald Trump’s approach to the conflict. President Mahmoud Abbas, following Trump’s unilateral decision recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, decided to replace the United States as peace broker and moved close to Russia and China as potential new negotiators.

Beijing in December supported Palestinians and voted for the UN resolution condemning Trump’s controversial recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel.

China also supports the two-state solution proposed by the international community to end the decades-long conflict.